Palestinian rocket attacks successful suspend operation of international flights Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport

The FAA has banned U.S. airlines from flying to or from Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. Federal aviation officials issued an order to airlines prohibiting them from flying to and from Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport enter for second day after a rocket struck near the airport earlier Tuesday. The Federal Aviation Administration said the notice to airmen, also called a NOTAM, applies only to U.S. operators. A spokesman for the airport said it is safe for takeoffs and landings, however. The notice came as several major U.S. carriers canceled flights in and out of Israel amid heightened concerns over the safety of passenger aircraft flying over war zones.

In a blow to Israel's economy and image, American aviation authorities extended a ban on U.S. flights to Tel Aviv for a second day, spooked by rocket salvoes out of the Gaza Strip, with many other global airlines also avoiding the Jewish state.

Air Canada also has cancelled its scheduled flight to Tel Aviv from Toronto Tuesday night, following the lead of other airlines concerned about rocket fire near Ben Gurion Airport.

Adding to the pressure on Israel, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said there was "a strong possibility" that it was committing war crimes in Gaza, where 692 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have died in the fighting.

Israel announced that three of its soldiers were killed by explosive devices on Wednesday, lifting the army death toll to 32. Three civilians have also been killed in rocket attacks out of Gaza, including a Thai labourer hit on Wednesday.

The military says one of its soldiers is also missing and believes he might be dead. Hamas says it has captured him, but has not released a picture of him in their hands

Rescue personnel at a home destroyed by a missile from Gaza near Ben Gurion airport outside Tel Aviv.

It was also a strategic victory for Hamas, striking a blow to Israel's economy, its physical link to the rest of the world, and its international reputation for effective security.

Palestinians take cover after Israel fires warning airstrikes at a nearby building in Gaza City on Tuesday, the start of a third week of conflict. Reuters